How to Die in Mexico

Dying in Mexico
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We help expats *live* better in Mexico by addressing end of life worries and fears through education, contemplation and planning resources. Dying in Mexico is a podcast and resource hub for U.S. immigrants—expats, retirees, and digital nomads—navigating the complexities of aging, death, and end-of-life planning in Mexico. Hosted by Sara-Mai Conway, a health and wellness writer, yoga and meditation teacher, the How to Die in Mexico podcast offers practical, emotional, and spiritual guidance for a more intentional death *and thereby life* abroad. Learn more at https://dyinginmexico.com

  1. Addressing Pain at the End of Life in Mexico, Wilka Roig, GTO: Ep15

    May 26

    Addressing Pain at the End of Life in Mexico, Wilka Roig, GTO: Ep15

    Is suffering at the end of life inevitable, or is there another way to meet death? For many US immigrants to Mexico, the thought of dying brings fear: fear of pain, loss of control, dependency, or fear of facing death alone. What if the dying process is not just something to endure, but something we can consciously engage with? In this episode, transpersonal psychologist and death doula Wilka Roig invites us into a deeper conversation about pain, fear, and the profound human experience of dying. Drawing from her years supporting the dying in San Miguel de Allende, Wilka shares what she has learned by sitting bedside with people at the end of life, and why dying may be far more nuanced, meaningful, and even intelligently designed than many of us have been conditioned to believe. In This Episode: Wilka’s background as a transpersonal psychologistThe origins of Wilka’s role as a death doula in San Miguel de AllendeWhat it means to ‘enter the space of dying’What US citizens fear most about dying in MexicoThe question of whether dying is inherently painfulHow does a person come to terms with the dying processDefining ‘disordered dying,’ and cultivating the oppositeThe ‘impeccable natural design’ of death, even in the presence of diseaseTrying to define physical and existential painHow meeting change as an initiation can help prepare us for deathWhat Wilka has learned about pain by sitting bedside with people who are dyingThe influence of privilege and culture on our perception of painThe power of navigating new phases (in life and when dying) with curiosity versus expectationWhat is the benefit of being ‘present’ for death?What might be lost or gained if Mexico approves medically-assisted dying?How our burial practices might influence (and be influenced by) a more conscious dying processAdvice for consciously and intentionally engaging in the dying process, as a means of softening fear Resources Mentioned: Course: A Year to Live Study Group: https://wilkaroig.com/a-year-to-live-study-group/Book: Stephen Levine, A Year to Live: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/100565/a-year-to-live-by-stephen-levine/Courses and Workshops: Creative DreamWork: https://wilkaroig.com/work-with-wilka/dreamwork/ See all of Wilka’s offerings on her website: https://WilkaRoig.comFind more contemplative, educational, and planning resources for a peaceful death in Mexico at https://DyingInMexico.com

    1h 1m
  2. Legally Protecting Your End-Of-Life Wishes In Mexico: Spencer McMullen, JAL: Ep14

    May 12

    Legally Protecting Your End-Of-Life Wishes In Mexico: Spencer McMullen, JAL: Ep14

    The legal documents you drafted in the US (advance directives and your last will) won’t protect your end-of-life wishes in Mexico. So, now what? Spencer McMullen is a bilingual attorney based in Guadalajara and Lake Chapala, whose extensive experience in end of life matters has earned him the nickname, the ‘attorney of death.’ Spencer shares his expertise on how to protect your end of life wishes, from appointing decision-makers, to clarifying your medical wishes, and what happens after you die. He shines light on the special circumstances US citizens living in Mexico should consider, including tax implications and who makes the best beneficiary when your property is in Mexico, but your next-of-kin is in the US. In This Episode: Spencer’s immigration story and how he began practicing law in MexicoThe difference between the law in the United States and MexicoWhy you need Mexican legal documents to protect you in MexicoThe benefit of estate planning, versus just writing a Mexican willWhen you need a will in Mexico, and when you might notThe expense of transferring property after a death - even with a willWhy some people make better beneficiaries than others, and how to choose who to put as your number oneCross-border beneficiaries and the challenge of transferring assets between US and Mexican citizensUsing a Mexican will for ‘representation,’ and not simply to designate who gets whatThe unique role of an albacea, or executor, in MexicoThe role of a notario in Mexico, and why you might want to meet with a lawyer firstWhat happens if you die in Mexico without a willHow a Mexican advance medical directive can protect your end-of-life care wishesProving next-of-kin relationships in Mexico, and why it mattersHow power of attorney functions in Mexico, and when you might need it Read Spencer’s article on How to Die in Mexico: https://www.chapalalaw.com/how-to-die-in-mexico/ Contact Spencer McMullen at https://ChapalaLaw.com Learn more at https://dyinginmexico.com/blog/podcast-mexican-will-and-legal-documents-ep14

    1h 5m
  3. Relocating to Mexico with an Aging Loved One: Cat & Coco, YUC: Ep13

    Apr 30

    Relocating to Mexico with an Aging Loved One: Cat & Coco, YUC: Ep13

    Studies show up to 75% of unpaid family caregivers are women in their 40s and 50s who also work outside the home. Could moving to Mexico offer these women a life of greater ease? The outcome has been positive for Catherine Borgman-Arboleda (Cat) and Cordelia Newlin (Coco). The two found support in their own shared experience when they first moved to the Yucatan, each caring for kids and aging parents at the same time. They now offer support to other women caregivers who are contemplating a move to Mexico in search of affordable, higher quality care for their loved ones. Their business, CatAndCoco.com offers consultations and a moderated community space where women who are caring for aging parents - and perhaps raising children at the same time - help each other navigate this role in Mexico. In This Episode: Catherine and Cordelia share their caregiving stories and what led them to life in MexicoThe origins of CatAndCoco.com as a resource for women caregivers considering a move to MexicoThe true cost of living (and caregiving) in Mexico versus in the United States - and why you should never move to Mexico just because ‘it’s cheaper’When moving your parents to Mexico is the right thing to do, and when it may not beThe experience of finding safe housing and caregiving assistance for seniors in MexicoManaging home healthcare workers and language barriersHow to navigate the unique challenges of moving to Mexico as a caregiver The necessity of ongoing professional and community support for caregivers in MexicoThe reality of healthcare in Mexico and why advance directives (and the conversations around them) are vitalDefining quality of life, and why it’s not the same as ‘safety’Working through family conflict, especially when not everyone agrees with moving mom and dad to MexicoWhy pre-planning makes a move to Mexico go more smoothly, and what to plan forThe culture of care in Mexico and what it’s like to live in a country where the elderly, and death, are not hidden away Contact Catherine (Cat) and Cordelia (Coco) at CatAndCoco.com

    1h 19m
  4. Geriatric Care and End of Life Wellness in Mexico: Dr. Willebaldo Esquivel Reyes, BCS: Ep12

    Apr 14

    Geriatric Care and End of Life Wellness in Mexico: Dr. Willebaldo Esquivel Reyes, BCS: Ep12

    What does it mean to age well, especially when living as an immigrant to Mexico? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Willebaldo Esquivel Reyes, a geriatrician whose approach to medicine focuses on caring for the whole person, not just treating illness. We explore what healthy aging actually looks like, why ageism sometimes keeps people from seeking geriatric care, and how Mexico’s culture of connection and community supports wellbeing as we grow older. If you’re planning to age in Mexico — or already are — this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what it means to live, and eventually die, with dignity and support. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How caring for the whole person inspired Willebaldo to become a geriatricianWhy healthy aging is about more than just ‘maintaining function’How ageism can prevent us from seeing a geriatrician, and when it’s actually time to make an appointmentSpecialized versus generalize doctors, and why it’s good to have a generalist on your teamAre there doctors in Mexico who take advantage of expats with unnecessary treatments?How retiring to Mexico (and figuring out how to live here) can be cognitively protective as we ageThe health benefits of the warm, caring culture of MexicoPalliative care in Mexico and when to choose comfort versus curative treatmentsThe accessibility of pain medications at end of life in MexicoThe significant role of social networks (versus institutional care) at end of life in MexicoImmigration law and the universal right to access healthcare in MexicoThe importance of a ‘palliative companion’ at end of lifeAdvance Directives in Mexico and what happens if you don’t have oneThe one thing that has the most impact on longevity and happinessSee more: htps://dyinginmexico.com/blog/podcast-geriatric-medicine-in-mexico-ep12 Visit Dr. Willebaldo Esquivel: https://bajageriacare.com/ Find Dr. Willebaldo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bajageriacare/

    1h 18m
  5. Aging, End of Life and Mental Health in Mexico: Dr. Jason Platt, MEX: Ep11

    Apr 2

    Aging, End of Life and Mental Health in Mexico: Dr. Jason Platt, MEX: Ep11

    Aging anywhere can be challenging. Living in a new, perhaps unfamiliar country and culture can exacerbate those challenges, but can also make them easier. In this episode, bilingual therapist Dr. Jason Platt talks about the challenges and benefits of living - and aging - as a US immigrant to Mexico. At any age, we can continue to learn, grow and do the healing necessary to meet our death with less conflict, and with greater peace and ease. What you'll learn... Dr. Jason Platt’s immigration story and how he ended up working as a marriage and family therapist in Mexico CityHow living in Mexico can bring more ease - and more stress - to aging and end of life in MexicoHow our identities change as we age and the potential to step into a new one when we move to a place that’s newHow change can stress our relationshipsLoneliness at end of life and the helpful (and unhelpful) ways we might copeOptimal versus pathological aging, and what supports optimal agingHow addressing family dynamics (at any age) can help prepare us for a more gentle deathWhy it helps to get clear about your hopes for end of life, and to talk to your family about itThe communication styles that are most helpful (and not) when talking about critical end-of-life issuesWhat can help us find the courage to have the ‘hard’ conversations about end of lifeWhen and how it can help to meet with a therapist, and what may be lost if we turn to Ai insteadEnd of life as a relational event, versus something that happens to only the individualThe benefit of doing a life review, and looking ahead with an open, growth mindsetHow we can find greater peace by questioning the narrative of our livesMaking meaning as we age, and how living in Mexico invites new perspectivesWhy you might benefit from having a therapist on your palliative care teamHow Mexico defines a ‘therapist’ and what to look for when searching for therapeutic help in MexicoRead the full article and learn more here: https://dyinginmexico.com/blog/podcast-aging-mental-health-mexico-ep11 Find more resources for end of life planning in Mexico here: https://dyinginmexico.com Contact Dr. Jason Platt here: https://www.drjasonplatt.com/

    59 min
  6. Assisted Living in Mexico and What to Consider: Samantha Elliott, JAL: Ep10

    Mar 18

    Assisted Living in Mexico and What to Consider: Samantha Elliott, JAL: Ep10

    What happens when living independently is no longer possible? In the United States, many people turn to assisted living or nursing homes toward end of life. Historically, assisted living hasn’t been as widespread in Mexico, although that’s beginning to change. Partly, due to the growing number of immigrants seeking affordable end-of-life care, and partly, because Mexican families are changing too. It’s not always possible to care for aging loved ones at home. In Mexico, assisted living is different from in the US, and that’s a good thing. Understanding the differences, however, is essential if you want to make informed decisions about care. In this episode, Senior Care Consultant Samantha Elliott explains how assisted living works in Mexico, how it compares to home health care, and how she helps families navigate their options and find the support they need. What You'll Learn In This Episode: What inspired Samantha to move to Puerto VallartaSamantha’s experience as a patient advocate and care consultantWhat is it that seniors most often need help with?What to consider when arranging for care in your homeWhat to consider when choosing an assisted living facility in MexicoHow to know when it’s time to move from home to a care facilityWho moves to assisted living in Mexico?The primary differences between assisted living in Mexico and in the USHow much assisted living in Mexico costs, compared to the USThe positive impact of having English-speaking companionsHow medical emergencies and doctor visits are handled in assisted livingWhat to know, and how to protect yourself, when hiring for at-home careWhy having a care advocate on the ground in Mexico matters Read the full post here: https://dyinginmexico.com/blog/podcast-assisted-living-in-mexico-ep10 Connect with Samantha Elliott here: https://www.mexperience.com/senior-care-provision-assistance-in-puerto-vallarta/

    1h 3m
  7. Paying for Healthcare as a Gringo in Mexico: Michael & Fernanda Keller, JAL: Ep9

    Feb 3

    Paying for Healthcare as a Gringo in Mexico: Michael & Fernanda Keller, JAL: Ep9

    It’s no longer true that health care in Mexico is so inexpensive that you don’t need insurance. Affordable health insurance in Mexico, however, can be hard to find if you’re over the age of 65 or if you have pre-existing health conditions. Michael and Fernanda Keller of M&M Insurance have a solution for that. In episode 9, I spoke with them about what gringos need to know about paying for healthcare in Mexico, and how planning ahead can not only save you money, but keep you healthy and prevent much stress. You'll hear about: What inspired Michael to move from Chicago to Puerto VallartaMichael and Fernanda’s experience in health insuranceAddressing the myth that US citizens can use Medicare in Mexico, can you?How medical evacuation plans really work, and what you need to be prepared for.What happens to healthcare premiums once you’re 65 or olderIs IMSS insurance enough for permanent residents in Mexico?What is it really like inside an IMSS public hospital in Jalisco?What type of medical care costs less in Mexico, and what costs just as much as in the US?Why having health insurance can actually prevent hospitals from over-charging you.The importance of having a broker on your side who can help you get your claims paid.The differences between Mexican health insurance and international health insurance.The differences between direct pay and reimbursement plans.How a diagnosis or pre-existing health condition affects your health insurance options in Mexico.Why you can’t just keep a pre-existing condition secret when applying for health insurance.Why staying current with preventative care is beneficial, especially in Mexico. Contact Michael and Fernanda at https://mminsurancemx.com/ Learn more at https://dyinginmexico.com/blog/podcast-expat-health-insurance-mexico-ep9 Find more resources for end-of-life planning for expats in Mexico at https://dyinginmexico.com

    1h 24m
  8. Cultivating Death Positivity In Mexico: Elis Regina, BCS: Ep8

    08/23/2025

    Cultivating Death Positivity In Mexico: Elis Regina, BCS: Ep8

    Can yoga and open conversation help us face death with more ease? In this episode, I speak with Elis Regina, a yoga teacher and thanatologist who recently moved to Baja California Sur. Elis shares her experiences hosting Death Cafés—spaces where people gather to talk openly about death—and explores how mindfulness and yoga can transform our relationship with mortality. You’ll hear about: Elis’ experiences hosting Death Cafés in Guadalajara and La Paz The concept of Death Cafés: safe, open conversations about death (not therapy) Differences and similarities between Spanish- and English-speaking groups Why some choose to move abroad with end-of-life in mind Mexico’s gaps in hospice care and legal end-of-life processes Cultural contrasts in grief experiences between Mexicans and expats Día de Muertos as a ritual distinct from everyday mortality awareness How sharing and listening to death stories can lead to personal insights Elis’ journey of understanding death and grief through yoga Yoga teachings on the physical body versus one’s true essence What it means to be liberated from suffering How embracing small changes can reduce fear of the unknown Why every change is an opportunity for rebirth and growth Love’s role in overcoming fear Living and dying with intention The future of the death-positive movement in Mexico This conversation is a thought-provoking guide to facing mortality with mindfulness, intention, and community, offering practical and spiritual tools for living—and dying—with more presence. - Follow Elis Regina on Instagram - Visit the Dying in Mexico website - Read the full blog about this episode

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We help expats *live* better in Mexico by addressing end of life worries and fears through education, contemplation and planning resources. Dying in Mexico is a podcast and resource hub for U.S. immigrants—expats, retirees, and digital nomads—navigating the complexities of aging, death, and end-of-life planning in Mexico. Hosted by Sara-Mai Conway, a health and wellness writer, yoga and meditation teacher, the How to Die in Mexico podcast offers practical, emotional, and spiritual guidance for a more intentional death *and thereby life* abroad. Learn more at https://dyinginmexico.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dying in Mexico
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dying in Mexico
  • Show Website
    How to Die in Mexico

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